US President Donald Trump on Sunday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great" friend and said India could rely on him "100 per cent", underscoring the growing closeness between the two countries during an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
In a phone address played to the audience by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Trump conveyed his warm greetings and praised Modi, saying, "I love the Prime Minister. Modi is great, he is my friend."
"I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi," Trump added, while reiterating his commitment to strengthening ties with India.
"We've never been closer to India, and India can count on me 100 per cent and our country. If they ever need help, they know where to call-they call right here," he said.
Trump also highlighted what he described as the strong performance of the US economy, saying the country was "setting records" with a robust stock market and economic growth.
The event was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior diplomats, reflecting the significance of the India-US partnership.
Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar said the ideals enshrined in the US Declaration of Independence-such as individual liberty, rule of law, free speech and accountable governance-resonate strongly with India's own democratic values and pluralistic traditions.
He noted that the framers of India's Constitution had drawn lessons from the American independence movement and said bilateral ties had deepened significantly through expanding cooperation in trade, technology and strategic affairs.
Jaishankar said the two countries, as political democracies, market economies and open societies, had moved beyond the "hesitations of history" through growing convergence in national interests.
He also acknowledged the important role of the Indian diaspora in the United States in strengthening political understanding and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
"The world is going through an era of transition, and it makes a strong case for India-US relations to grow even stronger," Jaishankar said, adding that both countries share a common interest in de-risking the global economy and offering the world more choices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his brief remarks, described India as a key strategic partner of the United States.
The event also featured a celebration of Rubio's birthday.
Adding a cultural dimension to the evening, music composer A R Rahman delivered a special performance, captivating the audience with renditions of popular songs including Dil Se, Maa Tujhe Salaam and Tere Bina.
The celebrations concluded with a performance by the American band Village People, marking the occasion with a blend of diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange.